Month: September 2025

Identifying Unauthorized Entry to Your Wi-Fi Network

can determine who is linked to those networks. They are able to connect from any location within range, whether a companion or adversary, a neighbor or an unfamiliar face. However, the likelihood of encountering a wireless intruder is likely very low, even if there’s a minute possibility.

Open networks are ideal targets for unauthorized access and eavesdropping. After all, they lack password protection and are incredibly simple to connect to with almost any device that has wireless capabilities. But what happens with networks that have passwords? What about when your network experiences a significant slowdown or strange occurrences begin to surface?

Whether being overly cautious or not, in those instances, it’s always advantageous to know how to identify if someone is monitoring your Wi-Fi network. Fortunately, there are numerous tools available for tracking and evaluating devices that are utilizing the network, including those that are not owned by you. Here’s how to assess your network.

Indicators that something is off with your home network

Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: Two XR Choices for $300 Less

Both the XREAL One and VITURE Luma Pro smart glasses are presently available at a reduced price of $499, delivering distinct experiences when compared to the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. The XREAL One features a 147-inch virtual display with 3DoF capabilities, 3ms latency, and 600 nits of brightness, acclaimed for its user-friendliness and eye-friendly micro-OLED technology. It’s perfect for individuals looking for a substantial, wearable OLED display with advantages like flicker-free dimming and 3DoF. Conversely, the VITURE Luma Pro offers a slightly broader FoV, elevated brightness, and resolution, along with built-in myopia correction. It is ideal for gamers or streamers who value visual excellence and prescription compatibility. In contrast to the Meta Ray-Ban Displays, which emphasize daily tasks like messaging and music, these glasses are better suited for immersive media experiences. Each choice addresses different requirements, offering economical options in the smart glasses industry.

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How the Newest AI Tools in Chrome Are Unexpectedly Creative

There are beneficial ideas and a few less effective ones, but the majority appear to be quite helpful.

In the constantly changing landscape of technology, the arrival of new features and tools frequently ignites a combination of enthusiasm and doubt. Google’s recent announcement regarding AI-enhanced improvements to Chrome, especially via the Gemini assistant, exemplifies this situation. Although some concepts may not seem as impactful, many promise to genuinely improve user experiences.

One of the prominent features is Gemini’s capability to simplify browsing activities. For example, users can now easily search their web history using natural language queries, such as recalling a site they visited last week. This simplification of intricate tasks is where AI excels, making technology more approachable for all.

Moreover, Gemini brings tools to enhance online security. By preventing auto-subscription attempts and improving Safe Browsing mode, users can explore the web with increased assurance. These capabilities tackle common annoyances and bolster overall safety.

Nevertheless, not every innovation resonates with users. Some features, such as AI-managed tab organization, may seem unnecessary to experienced users. However, their presence highlights Google’s dedication to providing various solutions that address different user requirements.

A particularly fascinating feature is agentic browsing, in which Gemini can independently carry out tasks like setting up appointments. While it shows potential, its effectiveness depends on user oversight and personalization, ensuring it meets individual desires.

As these features are introduced, mainly in the U.S. for English-speaking audiences, they mark a careful yet hopeful progression. By thoughtfully incorporating AI, Google seeks to enrich Chrome without overwhelming users, achieving a balance between innovation and practicality.

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Apple Equipment Sale: Price Cuts on M4 MacBooks, Mac mini, iPad Air/Mini, Accessories, and Additional Items This Week

Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 are approaching their conclusion as the delivery date arrives tomorrow. In addition to the iPhone 17, pre-sale options for the new AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11 are now available. At present, there are numerous significant discounts across the Apple product lineup, including price reductions on M4 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, along with the M4 Mac mini. Furthermore, considerable price cuts are being observed for the M3 iPad Air and iPad mini, as well as various accessory deals, such as Apple’s new 2025 model 25W Qi2 MagSafe Charger.

### This Week’s Apple Gear Offers

#### AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch Series 11/Ultra 3 Now Available
– **AirPods Pro 3**: $239 (Reg. $249)
– **Apple Watch Series 11 42mm**: $399
– **Apple Watch Series 11 46mm**: $429
– **Apple Watch Ultra 3**: $799
– **Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Milanese Loop**: $899
– **Apple Watch SE 3 40mm**: $249
– **Apple Watch SE 3 44mm**: $279

### Additional Offers
– **M4 Mac mini**: Base model priced at $499.
– **M4 MacBook Air**: Starting deals from $799, with $200 discounts across the series.
– **M4 MacBook Pro**: $300 price decreases on various versions.
– **M3 iPad Air**: Strong $150 discounts on most configurations.
– **iPad mini 7**: $100 reductions throughout the series.

For customers interested in accessories, there are special deals and launch bundles available for iPhone 17 cases and Apple Watch bands, with some bands available from $22.

These offers present a fantastic opportunity for consumers to secure the latest Apple products at discounted rates, making it a perfect moment to purchase before the pre-orders end.

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Five Steam Deck Configurations That Might Be Impairing Your Gaming Experience

even substitute the display through DIY. On the software side, you can modify a broad range of settings for whatever purpose you choose. Whether it’s emulation, PC gaming, or streaming from another system or console like Xbox. Moreover, the Deck manages older PC games effectively, in addition to many newer titles, ensuring there’s always something available to enjoy.

However, just because there are numerous settings to alter and customize doesn’t mean you should. A more accurate way to express that would be to state that sometimes, modifying or overlooking specific settings can lead to a less-than-ideal experience. This is precisely the reason individual game performance profiles are available, allowing you to create them. You can set essential configurations on a game-by-game basis rather than being restricted to a single, system-wide settings profile.

As you tailor those game profiles, be aware that some settings could spoil your Steam Deck experience if you are not careful or neglect them entirely.

Leaving the dead zone untouched

AI-Powered Phishing Frauds Emphasize the Significance of Identity Protection for Apple Workplace Settings

**Identity Security in the Era of AI: Obstacles and Remedies**

In the field of IT, identity security has surfaced as an essential issue, especially as businesses grow more dependent on digital frameworks. A recent study by Cisco Duo underscores the urgent challenges that IT leaders encounter in protecting identities from advancing threats.

**The Increasing Dangers**

Since approximately 2012, the significance of identity management has been highlighted, with the demand for strong solutions escalating. The Cisco Duo 2025 State of Identity Security report indicates that numerous IT teams find it difficult to stay abreast of the rising risks linked to identity-based attacks. Concerns like AI-enhanced phishing, identity impersonation, and internal breaches call for a reassessment of authentication and access strategies.

**Confidence Shortfalls in Identity Management**

The survey reveals that merely 33% of IT leaders feel assured in their identity providers’ capacity to defend against identity-based attacks. The intricacy of security systems is a major influence, with 94% of participants believing this complexity detracts from their overall security effectiveness. Fragmentation across various systems, often intensified by mergers and acquisitions, further complicates the scenario.

**Phishing and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Obstacles**

Although multi-factor authentication is widely acknowledged as vital, its application lacks consistency. Even if 87% of survey respondents recognize the necessity of phishing-resistant MFA, less than 20% have implemented FIDO2 tokens. Factors such as cost, complexity, and compatibility issues with legacy systems impede broad adoption, leaving open vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The goal of attaining passwordless access remains an aspiration rather than a reality for a majority of organizations.

**AI as a Significant Hazard**

AI-driven phishing has surfaced as a major threat, with 44% of IT leaders recognizing it as a primary concern along with insider misuse and software supply chain vulnerabilities. The advanced nature of AI in creating convincing phishing attempts necessitates an immediate reaction from IT teams, heightening the demand for effective authentication strategies.

**Monetary Consequences and Investment Trends**

The financial repercussions tied to identity breaches are considerable, with more than 51% of organizations reporting direct monetary losses from such occurrences. The fallout includes operational downtime, erosion of customer trust, and compliance challenges. In response, 82% of CFOs are boosting their investments in identity security, and many organizations are looking into vendor consolidation to optimize operations and strengthen security.

**The Road Ahead**

Experts agree that until passkey authentication is established as the norm across all platforms, identity security will continue to pose challenges. Advances in biometric security, like Touch ID and Face ID, should be reliably accessible, even after device reboots. The ongoing initiatives by organizations such as the FIDO Alliance are vital to shaping the future of cybersecurity.

In summary, as digital environments change, so must the strategies employed to safeguard identities. Organizations need to focus on strong identity management solutions to adeptly navigate the intricacies of contemporary security threats.

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Four Hidden ChatGPT Functions You Ought to Take Advantage Of

maximize your use of ChatGPT.

If your experience with ChatGPT has been limited to writing emails, generating ideas, or posing casual inquiries, you’re overlooking some of its most beneficial capabilities. Encouraging the AI to engage in deeper thinking truly yields significant results. OpenAI has consistently enhanced the tools available, making the use of ChatGPT more customized, engaging, and applicable to daily functions. Whether your aim is to streamline repetitive activities, enhance your interactions, or discover innovative creative processes, ChatGPT now boasts features intended to conserve your time and energy.

This guide will showcase four ChatGPT capabilities that often go unnoticed. These are not mere novelties; they are functional tools that can elevate ChatGPT to your essential productivity assistant. From tailored experiences to real-time data collection, these features will assist you in fully utilizing the AI you already have. 

Personalized guidelines

Carrier Provides Complimentary Galaxy A36 5G, the Perfect Affordable Smartphone

Total Wireless simplifies things with this Samsung offer.

(Image credit: Total Wireless)

Samsung’s A Series demonstrates that you can enjoy an excellent Android phone experience without breaking the bank. Priced starting at $279.99, the Galaxy A36 5G ranks among the best budget smartphones we’ve tested, and with the ongoing promotion at Total Wireless, you can acquire the device at no cost by switching and adding a qualifying line to your account.

As a Verizon subsidiary, Total Wireless is a well-known MVNO that provides users with a selection of unlimited plans that include valuable premium benefits. Both the Total 5G Unlimited and Total 5G+ Unlimited plans will offer you the free phone, no trade-in necessary, along with a complimentary mobile hotspot and international service in almost 200 countries across the globe. Plans begin at $50 per month for a single line, but you can significantly reduce the price by enrolling the entire family.

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Thorough Handbook to the Best iPhone 17 and iPhone Air Cases [Update #4]

# Top iPhone 17 Cases: An In-Depth Guide

Apple has officially unveiled its iPhone 17 series, accompanied by a wide array of cases designed to safeguard and customize your new gadget. Whether your taste leans towards sleek and minimalist aesthetics or more robust and durable options, there’s a case to meet your needs. Here’s a summary of the finest iPhone 17 cases currently available from Apple and reputable third-party manufacturers.

## Apple’s Official Cases

Apple has launched a variety of cases for the iPhone 17, which include:

– **iPhone Air Bumper Case**: $39
– **iPhone Air Case with MagSafe**: $49
– **iPhone 17 Silicone Case with MagSafe**: $49
– **iPhone 17 Clear Case with MagSafe**: $49
– **iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Case with MagSafe**: $59
– **iPhone 17 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe**: $49
– **iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe**: $49
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe**: $59
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe**: $49
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe**: $49

These cases come in a multitude of colors and designs, delivering both protection and a stylish look.

## Third-Party Case Options

### 1. **Totallee**
Totallee specializes in ultra-slim cases that preserve the minimalist profile of the iPhone 17:
– **The Scarf**: 0.02” thickness, drop-tested up to 3 feet.
– **The Spy**: 0.04” thickness, drop-tested for 6 feet.

### 2. **Nomad**
Renowned for premium leather options, Nomad’s selection features:
– **Rugged Leather Case**: $75
– **Modern Leather Case**: $55-$85
– **Magnetic Leather Back**: $49

### 3. **Dbrand**
Dbrand’s collection includes:
– **Ghost Case**: Crystal clear and scratch-resistant.
– **Grip Case**: Customizable with different skins.

### 4. **SANDMARC**
SANDMARC offers full-grain leather cases designed with a distinctive metal accent for camera protection:
– **Pro Leather Case**: $54 (Reg. $59 with code 9TO5TOYS).

### 5. **TORRAS**
The TORRAS Ostand Q3 Silicone model features:
– **Military-grade protection** and a **pop-out precision-engineered hinge**: $47 (Reg. $53 with code OSTAND170).

### 6. **ESR**
ESR provides cases with cutting-edge features:
– **Cyber Tough Magnetic Case**: Comes with a flip-out metal camera shield that also functions as a kickstand.

### 7. **Mous**
Mous boasts a robust range of protective cases:
– **Limitless Leather Case**: $80
– **Super Slim Carbon Fibre Case**: $70

### 8. **OtterBox**
OtterBox is well-known for its sturdy cases:
– **Symmetry Series**: Starting at $60.
– **Defender Series Pro**: $80.

### 9. **Alto Collective**
Alto Collective differentiates itself with laser-engraved wooden cases, providing options for personalization.

## Conclusion

Now that the iPhone 17 is available, the array of case choices is extensive and diverse. From Apple’s own products to groundbreaking designs from third-party brands, users can discover the ideal case that aligns with their aesthetic and protective requirements. Whether you value simplicity, sturdiness, or elegance, there’s a case that will elevate your iPhone 17 experience.

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Amazon Unveils Initial Cash Rebate on Apple’s Latest AirPods Pro 3

Amazon is currently providing the brand new [AirPods Pro 3 with a fantastic launch offer at **$239 shipped**](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQFB8FMG?tag=toysj-20). This unexpected price reduction at launch presents an opportunity for those interested in acquiring these eagerly awaited earbuds. The [initial cash discount](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQFB8FMG?tag=toysj-20) on AirPods Pro 3 is now available.

Apple announced the [next-gen AirPods Pro 3](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQFB8FMG?tag=toysj-20) during this month’s “Awe dropping” event, together with the new iPhone 17 lineup and Apple Watch Series 11. They were made available for pre-order last week at the same price of $249 as the previous model, AirPods Pro 2.

Previously, Best Buy had a FREE $20 credit during the pre-order stage, but that offer is now over, and they are currently selling the AirPods Pro 3 at the full price of $250.

The $10 [price reduction at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQFB8FMG?tag=toysj-20) may appear minor, but it is presently the best deal obtainable for Apple’s popular wireless in-ear headphones. Although better offers may surface during Black Friday or the fall Prime Day event, there’s no assurance they will exceed this current price.

The new AirPods Pro 3 feature “the world’s best active noise cancellation,” enhanced acoustics, and a superior in-ear fit. Reviews indicate that the latest version improves upon the already impressive attributes of its predecessor.

A significant enhancement in the AirPods Pro 3 is the addition of heart rate sensing capability. This built-in sensor enables users to monitor their heart rate and calories burned across 50 different types of workouts.

### Key Features of AirPods Pro 3:
– Eliminates up to 2x more unwanted noise compared to AirPods Pro 2.
– Experience stunning, three-dimensional sound.
– New ear tips available in five sizes for a more secure fit and enhanced audio performance.
– Hearing Aid feature with automatic Conversation Boost for clearer communication.
– Up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge or up to 10 hours in Transparency mode using the Hearing Aid feature.

For an in-depth review of the AirPods Pro 3, including battery life and new functionalities, you can refer to the detailed analysis by [9to5Mac](https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/15/airpods-pro-3-review/).

### AirPods Pro 3 Features:
– **World’s Best In-Ear Active Noise Cancellation**: Cuts out up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2.
– **Breakthrough Audio Performance**: Offers transformed bass, detailed clarity, and rich vocals.
– **Heart Rate Sensing**: Monitor heart rate and calories burned for various workout types.
– **Live Translation**: Facilitate communication across languages with Apple Intelligence assistance.

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